Focus by Subtracting: Build Lean Muscle, Not More Fat

Originally published 2025-12-17Robin’s commentary (quoting a remark attributed to Ma Huateng; source unconfirmed)

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Collected in Robin Shen’s Field Notes · Content type and attribution are shown above

English translation of the Chinese post originally published 2025-12-17. Translated 2026-10-30 with AI assistance. Historical figures and claims have not been updated or independently verified. 中文原文

Reading guide

Robin says many companies pursue growth by doing a bit of everything. Borrowing a remark attributed to Ma Huateng, the additions are all fat: can a sluggish, bloated heavyweight fight effectively in the ring? Robin recommends focusing on the core business and building lean, strong muscle rather than accumulating fat.

Key points

Doing a bit of everything in pursuit of growth often adds fat.
A bloated company cannot compete effectively in the ring.
Focus on the core business and build lean, strong muscle.

One clear path continues into the distance among several branching routes, suggesting choice and focus. — Entrepreneurship & strategyThematic illustration · AI generated

Full text — English translation

Focus by subtracting. Many companies pursue growth by doing a bit of everything. But to borrow a remark from Ma Huateng, everything they add is fat. Can a sluggish, bloated heavyweight fight effectively in the ring? Focus on the core business. Build lean, strong muscle rather than a mass of fat.

These articles are personal notes, book excerpts, and collected reprints. Figures and events reflect the time of the original publication, are not current information, and do not constitute investment advice.

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